Description

Priests serve the gods, spread their divine word, convert non-believers into the faithful, and perform deeds in the name of their god(s). Priests (in the 'class' sense) are chosen by their gods, not self-made, and dedicate their entire lives (and meager income, in some cases) to their deities. Many priests belong to clergies and study holy texts for countless hours. However, it is possible to study the gods alone and gain a god's favor through sacrifice, humility, and service. A god's favor is demonstrated through the granting of divine magic. A priest blessed by a god can channel a small portion of the god's power through spells, though the source of their spell's power is believed to be the gods themselves, not arcane energy.

Because priests serve a god (or multiple gods), their message may be for good or evil depending on the god -- or neither. In fact, the largest concentration of priests may well be in Trist'oth, home to the drow, where many female drow devote themselves to either The Spider Goddess or Vakmatharas, both decidedly evil deities. But on the surface, for the most part, priests tend to be devoted to good causes. Most heal others, inspire bravery in their allies who crusade for noble causes, or smite evil foes. In some areas, priests have positions of authority, such as in Frostmaw where the High Priest of Aramoth is considered an important political figure. Though not all priests settle in townships, and many wander war torn corners of the world on missions from their gods.

Fighting Style

In Terms of Roleplaying/Dueling

In combat, priests are often found in supporting roles as healers, and in some cases, leaders. They use their divine magic to soothe the wounded, provide shields, and strengthen an army or warrior. Offensively, they may smite foes with the gifts afforded to them by their god. Priests often use a symbol of their particular religious order to cast divine spells, and before battle may employ their vast knowledge of more complex rituals to aid armies and causes. Aside from skills, priests have some skill in the use of alchemy to create potions and tonics of both healing and poisonous nature.

As a general rule, a priest's most significant power is usually in healing. Through meditation, prayer, and special training, they are able to repair and restore wounds that could have cost a limb or life. Beyond healing and buffs (for example: strengthening and agility spells), many priests have unique abilities based on the nature of their gods. For example, worshippers of Loda, the Dwarven Goddess of Weapons, may possess special blacksmithing spells that other priests do not.

Of course, not always content to be reduced to the supporting role, some take up arms in simple melee weapons, the form of whatever may be particular to their god. They are not as skilled as paladins with weapons, or with their fists as monks, but have the same courage and conviction. Few can wear armor heavier than a robe, and even fewer use shields regularly.

In Terms of Game Mechanics

Most of their skills require no weapon to use, save fire bolt which requires a magical or miscellaneous-type weapon.

Note: From an ooc game-mechanic standpoint, while a priest may worship multiple gods, they may only cast spells granted by one god.